Professional Documents
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Course
Animals in Disasters
Module A
Awareness and Preparedness
Animals in Disasters/Module A
CONTRIBUTORS
This course was made possible through the efforts of the following persons and organizations.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A
Acknowledgments
Over the three years in which it took to develop this course many other people and organizations
have contributed through their ideas, suggestions, editing and reviewing sections.
American Academy on Veterinary Disaster Medicine, Alan Beck (Purdue University, IN), Candace
Lundin (AVMA, IL), Jim Hamiliton (Southern Pines Equine Services, NC), Richard Mannsmann
(Central Carolina Equine Services, NC), American Animal Hospital Association, Nicholas Gilman
(American Humane Association), Vicky Vogelman (U.S. Air Force Veterinary Services, Arlington,
VA), Richard Dorn (The Ohio State University, OH), Dave Barrabee, Chat Sloane (Indiana State
Emergency Management Agency, IN), Kerri Marshall (VetSmart, OR), Melissa Nixon (Grass Valley
Veterinary Services, CA), Jean Hooks (Fairfax County US&R, VA), Victoria Joseph (Bird and Pet
Clinic, Roseville, CA), Indiana Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Emergency Management
Agency, Franklin County, OH, Emergency Management Agency
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Animals in Disasters/Module A
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Animals in Disasters/Module A
Table of Contents
Module A
Awareness and Preparedness
Unit 1 – Overview
Preface........................................................................................................ A-1-1
The purpose of this course........................................................................ A-1-1
Summary of the groups that make up the
animal-care community and examples of local
groups that may represent them......................................................... A-1-2
Course overview ........................................................................................ A-1-3
How to complete the course ..................................................................... A-1-5
Unit 2 – Introduction
Overview.................................................................................................... A-2-1
Objectives .................................................................................................. A-2-1
Disaster preparedness................................................................................ A-2-1
Animals in society ..................................................................................... A-2-2
How people respond to animals in disasters............................................ A-2-4
Animal ownership..................................................................................... A-2-5
The human-animal bond .......................................................................... A-2-6
Animals and the family............................................................................. A-2-6
Animal care and emergency management ............................................... A-2-7
Scenarios.................................................................................................... A-2-7
Learning check ........................................................................................ A-2-14
Summary.................................................................................................. A-2-15
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Animals in Disasters/Module A
Thunderstorms.......................................................................................... A-4-2
Mitigation............................................................................................ A-4-3
Preparedness........................................................................................ A-4-3
Response ............................................................................................. A-4-4
Recovery .............................................................................................. A-4-5
Learning check .................................................................................... A-4-6
Floods ........................................................................................................ A-4-7
Mitigation............................................................................................ A-4-8
Preparedness........................................................................................ A-4-8
Response ............................................................................................. A-4-9
Recovery ............................................................................................ A-4-11
Learning check .................................................................................. A-4-13
Tornadoes................................................................................................ A-4-14
Mitigation.......................................................................................... A-4-14
Preparedness...................................................................................... A-4-15
Response ........................................................................................... A-4-16
Recovery ............................................................................................ A-4-17
Learning check .................................................................................. A-4-18
Hurricanes ............................................................................................... A-4-19
Mitigation.......................................................................................... A-4-20
Preparedness...................................................................................... A-4-22
Response ........................................................................................... A-4-23
Recovery ............................................................................................ A-4-24
Learning check .................................................................................. A-4-25
Winter Storms......................................................................................... A-4-26
Mitigation.......................................................................................... A-4-27
Preparedness...................................................................................... A-4-27
Response ........................................................................................... A-4-29
Recovery ............................................................................................ A-4-30
Learning check .................................................................................. A-4-32
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Animals in Disasters/Module A
Unit 10 – Appendices
Appendix A — Independent study courses available
through FEMA ........................................................................................ A-10-2
Appendix B — Recommendations on how to deal
with contaminated water ........................................................................ A-10-4
Appendix C — References....................................................................... A-10-5
Appendix D — Modified Mercalli Scale of Earthquake
Intensities ................................................................................................ A-10-6
Appendix E — Wind Speed Measurement — Land and
Water Comparison ................................................................................. A-10-7
Appendix F — Wind Chill Measurement Table..................................... A-10-8
Appendix G — Wind Speed Matrix........................................................ A-10-9
Appendix H — Learning Checks Answer Key ...................................... A-10-10
Appendix I — FEMA-related acronyms................................................. A-10-12
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Animals in Disasters/Module A
A-xii
Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 1
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A
UNIT 1 Overview
This course does not intend to provide details on the care of animals
in disasters, but to promote personal responsibility of animal owners
and care providers. It also guides emergency managers in the
recruitment and use of local community resources to define, develop,
teach, and implement a disaster response. Each community must
tailor its plan to meet its own needs.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 1
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 1
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 1
Course overview Module B is divided into an overview, six units of instruction, a final
exam and appendices. A brief description of each unit is provided to
(continued) follow.
Unit 1: Overview. Preface, purpose of the course, and
information on the course. (This unit is the same in both
modules.)
Unit 2: Introduction. Why are animals an important
consideration in disasters? This unit describes the animal-care
industries, their societal impact and introduces the concept of
the human-animal bond as a major factor affecting animal
owners in disasters. (This unit is the same in both modules.)
Unit 3: Disaster preparedness through planning and
collaboration. This unit outlines the steps needed to develop a
community disaster plan that takes special consideration for
animals and their owners. Suggestions are made as to how
emergency management and the animal-care community can
collaborate to develop an effective plan.
Unit 4: Analyzing risks affecting animals and their owners.
This unit outlines the principles of identifying risks that are
relevant to animals and their owners.
Unit 5: The organization of the response to disasters. This
unit provides information on the official and proven methods
of response to disasters. The Incident Command System and
other established elements of response are described.
Unit 6: Recovering from a disaster. This unit outlines
considerations for effective recovery from disasters. It also
describes major sources of disaster relief.
Unit 7: Developing community support for the disaster
preparedness plan. This unit suggests ways in which the
community, government and citizens can be informed and
inspired to support and participate in disaster planning.
Unit 8: Module B final examination. By completing this unit
and passing the exam, you may receive a certificate of
completion from the Emergency Management Institute.
Unit 9: Appendices. This unit contains reference materials
that supplement the course materials and indicate where
further information can be obtained.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 1
How to You will remember the material best if you do not rush through it.
Take a break at the end of each section and give yourself time to think
complete the about the material. Once you feel familiar enough with the material,
course take the quiz at the end of the unit or section. The answers to the
quizzes are provided in an appendix. There is a final examination at
the end of each module.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 1
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A
UNIT 2 Introduction
Overview This unit examines the reasons why animal care during disasters is a
concern for the animal owners, animal industries, emergency
management, and the general public. It describes the animal-care
community, examines the societal impacts of animal ownership, and
introduces the concept of the human-animal bond as a major factor
affecting animal owners and care providers in a disaster.
This unit is the same in both Module A and Module B. If you are
already familiar with the material, you may review it, or skip ahead to
Unit 3.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Animals in Our society benefits from improved efficiency and health care in
livestock production systems. Emergency management and other
society Federal and State departments have traditionally protected these
benefits in disasters. Support for animal agriculture is warranted, as the
U.S. animal agriculture industry generates nearly $90 billion each year.
Because agriculture now depends on fewer people to produce our
nation’s food supply, emergency management systems are of high
priority.
Reflecting these changes, the media often reports the needs of animals,
both domestic and wild, affected by disasters. The needs of animals
and their owners have been prominent issues in several U.S. disasters.
We encourage emergency
managers and the animal-care
community to share their
emergency plans. By doing so,
expertise and resources necessary
for successful disaster response
may also be shared.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
: During the evacuation from a large white phosphorus and liquid sulfur spill in Dayton, OH,
in 1984, pet owners attempting to rescue their pets created traffic jams by driving in the
opposite direction to the evacuating traffic.
: Following floods in Snohomish Valley, WA, in 1991, some farmers felt so grief-stricken by
the drowning of their cows that they left agriculture altogether.
: After a tornado in West Lafayette, IN, in 1994, several animal owners in public shelters
showed psychosomatic symptoms as a result of not knowing the whereabouts of their pets.
: During Georgia floods in 1994, some pet owners refused to evacuate in a timely and safe
manner because they could not take their pets with them. Others were prevented from
attempting to rescue their pets from flooded houses using boats.
: After a propane gas spill caused by a train derailment in 1996, all citizens of Weyauwega,
WI, were evacuated. Many pets and livestock were left behind. Emergency management
initiated a rescue effort.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
How people The previous table provides examples of how animal owners and care
givers may respond when animals are involved in disasters. Traditional
respond to concerns involving animals during disasters include the following:
animals in : The spoilage of the human food and water supply;
disasters : Animal bites; and
: Outbreaks of zoonoses (diseases transmitted between animals
and people) such as rabies.
Some people are more concerned for their animals in disasters than
they are for themselves. This may impair their ability to make sensible
decisions about their own safety and that of rescue workers. Examples
include:
: Evacuation failures and re-entry attempts, and
: Unsafe rescue attempts.
There are also reports of pet owners being injured or killed attempting
to rescue their animals from burning or flooded houses.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
The human- The human-animal bond is a term used to describe the fundamental
relationship between humans and animals. The term bonding refers to
animal bond the formation of close relationships, such as those between parent and
child or husband and wife. Behaviors that communicate bonding
among humans are
also used between
humans and animals.
The term human-
animal bond can be
applied to
interactions between
humans and many
species, including
companion animals,
livestock, and
wildlife. The human-
animal bond involves the care for animals, and the quality of life for
animals and humans.
Animals and the Studies show that more than 60 percent of pet owners consider their
pets to be very or extremely important to their families. The majority
family of livestock producers have similar feelings toward their animals. The
main reasons for pet ownership include:
: Personal pleasure and companionship;
: An educational experience for children (birth and death);
: Replacement of persons in their lives;
: Personal and property protection; and
: The rescue of an animal from neglect.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Animal care and In disasters, some may use the way animals are cared for to measure
the quality of human care provided by emergency management teams.
emergency While the care of animals in disasters should never take precedence
management over the care of people, providing care for animals may facilitate the
personal safety and care of a large segment of the human population.
Scenarios Let’s start thinking about some emergency situations that involve
animals. At this stage you are not expected to know all the answers to
these questions. Although questions are given for emergency managers
and owners (assume you are either an emergency manager or an
owner), start thinking about how you might address solutions from the
other person’s point of view too. When you start to develop your
community plan you may like to start with a session that tries to
answer some of these questions and others from your own experience.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Scenarios
Directions: Answer the following questions in terms of: 1. What would you do to resolve these
situations?, and 2. If you do not know the answers, who could help you find the answers?
1. A train carrying propane derails and prompts the immediate evacuation of 1000 households
in a 2-mile radius. You estimate that approximately 50 percent of families in the evacuation
area own animals.
Emergency Managers: Do you have an action plan to evacuate people with their animals,
and know where to house the animals? Describe.
Animal owners: How would you evacuate with your animals? What supplies would you take
for your pets? Where would you shelter your animals?
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Scenarios
2. During Hurricane Jackie many persons become separated from their horses.
Emergency Managers: How would you reunite the horses and their owners?
Animal owners: There are 35 bay mares in a temporary enclosure for horses. If one of them
were yours, how would you positively identify it to a security guard at the pasture?
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Scenarios
3. In a tornado, a tank of herbicide is knocked over. It may have contaminated the grain bin on
a dairy farm and been sprayed onto the skin of some pigs at a neighboring farm.
Emergency Managers: What are the potential public health risks associated with
contaminated livestock feed and food-producing animals?
Animal owners: Who would you contact to determine the safety of your cows’ feed and to
determine the potential contamination of the milk?
The pigs do not appear to be affected — Who can determine the withdrawal times for safe
slaughter of the pigs for human consumption?
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Scenarios
4. Many farms are in low-lying areas close to rivers. Flooding is a problem that can result in
animals drowning, and difficulty in supplying feed to stranded animals.
Emergency Managers: How many farms in your community are potentially affected by floods
and what types and numbers of animals do they have? How would you obtain this
information?
Animal owners: How could the problem of recurrent flooding be prevented? What
department in your State could help you in this regard?
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Scenarios
5. During a heat wave there is a local power failure that results in the death of 500,000 chickens
in two adjacent barns.
Emergency Managers: What emergency power supplies could have been mobilized and
prevented this costly loss?
Animal owners: How would you dispose of this large mass of dead birds?
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Scenarios
6. A brush fire precipitates the escape of a large private collection of exotic animals. The animals
include lions, tigers and bears. There is great risk of people being injured. The animals are
very valuable and belong to an influential local resident.
List factors that would help you reach the most appropriate decision.
Animal owners: Whom would you call in your jurisdiction to help you with this situation?
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. The best disaster preparedness starts with personal protection and safety.
2. Private individuals and corporations coordinate the most effective protection against disasters,
without the help of Federal and State departments.
3. The U.S. animal agriculture industry generates nearly $90 billion each year.
4. Traditional concerns involving animals in disasters include the spoilage of the human food
and water supply.
5. There is no evidence to indicate that the human-animal bond affects public mental health in
times of disaster.
6. Care for animals during disasters has no effect on the safety and care of humans.
7. The care of animals in disasters should take precedence over the care of people.
Multiple Choice
10. According to survey results, what percent of pet owners consider their pets to be very or
extremely important to their families?
a. 10 percent c. 60 percent
b. 30 percent d. 100 percent
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
Summary In this unit, you examined the relationship between humans and
animals and how this relationship may potentially affect emergency
management. This unit described the animal-care community,
examined the societal impacts of animal ownership, and introduced
the concept of the human-animal bond as a major factor affecting
animal owners and care providers in a disaster.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 2
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A The Four Phases of
UNIT 3 Emergency Management
Overview This unit covers ways in which emergency management can be applied
to individuals and communities. It implies that much of what will
happen in an emergency or a disaster can be predicted. This knowledge
allows individuals and communities to anticipate the types of disasters
that are likely to affect them, and to think of ways to reduce the
impact, or prevent disasters altogether.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
Legal Many States require that local jurisdictions provide for the position of
emergency program manager. At each level of government, laws define
responsibilities the responsibility and authority of emergency managers and
management programs.
The four phases Since World War II emergency management has focused primarily on
preparedness. Often this involved preparing for enemy attack.
of emergency Community preparedness for all disasters requires identifying
management resources and expertise in advance, and planning how these can be
used in a disaster. However, preparedness is only one phase of
emergency management. Current thinking defines four phases of
emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and
recovery. There are entire courses on each of these phases.
Mitigation
Recovery Preparedness
Response
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
Mitigation This phase includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce
the likelihood of occurrence, or reduce the damaging effects of
unavoidable hazards. Mitigation activities should be considered long
before an emergency.
Preparedness This phase includes developing plans for what to do, where to go, or
who to call for help before an event occurs; actions that will improve
your chances of successfully dealing with an emergency. For instance,
posting emergency telephone numbers, holding disaster drills, and
installing smoke detectors are all preparedness measures. Other
examples include identifying where you would be able to shelter your
animals in a disaster. You should also consider preparing a disaster kit
with essential supplies for your family and animals.
Recovery After an emergency and once the immediate danger is over, your
continued safety and well-being will depend on your ability to cope
with rearranging your life and environment. During the recovery
period, you must take care of yourself and your animals to prevent
stress-related illnesses and excessive financial burdens. During recovery,
you should also consider things to do that would lessen (mitigate) the
effects of future disasters.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
What makes Emergency management works when you and your local, State and
Federal government fulfill emergency management responsibilities.
emergency Voluntary organizations also have important responsibilities during
management disasters. This next section describes responsibilities at each of these
levels.
work?
Personal Animals owners have the ultimate responsibility for their animals.
responsibilities Community disaster preparedness plans try to incorporate the care of
animals and their owners in their plans, but plans can only coordinate
care — they cannot always provide it. The best way to be prepared is to
create a personal emergency plan that includes provisions to care for
your animals. You can learn how to prepare such a plan from your
local American Red Cross office, your local emergency management
agency and numerous other groups. Some classes are listed in the
appendix. Once you develop your personal emergency management
plan, you may:
: Be prepared to deal with the four phases of most emergencies;
: Find it much easier to understand the actions of official
emergency managers; and
: Help with the official response.
Local government Local governments make plans and provide resources to protect their
responsibilities citizens from the hazards that threaten their communities. This is done
through mitigation activities, preparedness plans, response to
emergencies, and recovery operations. Wherever you live within the
United States, a county or municipal agency has been designated as
your local emergency management agency. The local government level
is the most important at which to develop emergency management
plans because local governments serve as the link between you and the
State and Federal agencies in the emergency management network.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
State government The State emergency management office is responsible for protecting
responsibilities communities and citizens within the State. The State office carries out
statewide emergency management activities, helps coordinate
emergency management activities involving more than one
community, or assists individual communities when they need help. If
any community lacks the resources needed to protect itself or to
recover from a disaster, the State may help with money, personnel, or
other resources.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
Emergency Management
The goal of emergency management is to provide protection from all hazards for the citizens,
properties, and governments within the United States. Effective emergency management includes a
functional approach to all emergencies, cooperative planning, appropriate use of resources, and
shared responsibilities among the three levels of government.
: Personal disaster preparedness is the first and most effective intervention to reduce the
impact of disasters.
: The local government is responsible for emergency planning response and continued
assessment of its ability to protect citizens and property within the community.
: In some States, there are several layers between the local and the State level. You must
become familiar with your State’s structure.
: The State government is responsible for assisting the communities within the State by
reviewing plans and providing guidance. The State government also makes plans and
assesses its capability to provide protection from large-scale, statewide disasters.
: A State will assist communities within the State that do not have adequate resources to
protect themselves or to recover from disaster.
: The Federal government is responsible for assisting the States by reviewing plans,
providing guidance, making plans and assessing their capability to provide protection from
large-scale, nationwide disasters. It supplements State assistance when State and local
resources are insufficient to complete recovery. In the event of a response to a Federally
declared disaster, FEMA acts primarily in a coordinating role.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
The horse show that You are traveling with your horse to a show where it will likely be a
didn’t happen winner and a tire on the trailer explodes. Your truck and trailer swerve
into a ditch. Fortunately nobody in the truck is hurt and you are able
to get the trailer out of the ditch, but your horse appears to have cut its
poll (top of the neck) and is in considerable pain. Anticipating
emergencies and break downs you recently installed a cellular phone in
your truck. You call the highway patrol to help secure the area and
request a local equine veterinarian to examine your horse.
The highway patrol arrives at the same time as the veterinarian. The
area is secured and you and the veterinarian carefully back your horse
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
You decide it is best to take your horse home, where it can recover
from its shock in a familiar environment. Before you carry on you
replace the flat tire with a spare and have the burst tire replaced in the
next town. Once home, you call your regular veterinarian who takes
radiographs of the injured area of your horse.
Fortunately, your horse did not sustain serious injuries. From then on,
before each show and throughout the years you regularly check the
wear and condition of all the tires on your truck and trailer. Your
diligence pays off and your horse wins its next show.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
The puppy that You recently bought a dog, which is a great family pet, plays nicely with
conquered children and is friendly to visitors. It is late June and Fourth of July
firecrackers celebrations have begun. Random firecrackers are being set off. Your
dog is crying, digging at the floor and tearing at the door as a result of
the loud noises. His barking is disturbing the neighbors and you are
concerned about his frantic behavior and the damage he is doing to
your home. You realize that the problem is likely to intensify with the
upcoming holiday.
You phone your veterinarian who recommends that you bring your
dog in for an examination. Upon examination you and your
veterinarian agree that sedation may be the best temporary solution.
Twenty minutes later the sedative is working and your dog is sleeping
quietly at home. Your veterinarian also sends you home with
medication to administer until the Fourth of July has passed, and
suggests you keep your dog comfortably confined in a room with a
radio playing.
Your veterinarian also identified steps you can take to desensitize your
dog to loud noises in the future. You practice these steps and by the
end of the summer your dog is no longer afraid of loud noises.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
3. Response activities are actions taken to save lives and prevent future property damage in a
disaster or emergency situation.
4. The State is the point between policy guidance and resources available at the Federal level and
the implementation of comprehensive emergency management programs at the local level.
5. The Federal level is the most important at which to develop emergency management plans.
Multiple Choice
8. Following safety standards in selecting building materials is an example of this type of activity.
a. Mitigation c. Preparedness
b. Response d. Recovery
9. At the local level, the authority granted to the emergency manager is defined by:
a. Local laws or ordinances
b. The Governor
c. The director of the State emergency management office
d. The authority of the emergency manager is not defined
10. List various levels at which emergency management can take place.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
Summary In this unit, you learned the definition of emergency management; the
four phases of emergency management; the responsibilities of
individuals and local, State, and Federal governments in regard to
emergency management; and looked at some examples of emergency
management in action.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 3
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A Meteorological Hazards:
UNIT 4 Applying the Four Phases
Natural hazards are usually more predictable than any other type of
hazard. Although we cannot know exactly when or where they will
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
strike, or how severe they will be, we recognize from past experience
which geographical areas are most vulnerable to certain types of
natural hazards. This knowledge helps us better prepare for and
respond to natural hazards.
Thunderstorms Thunderstorms are a violent form of air convection. As warm air rises,
storm clouds develop that can dump large amounts of rain or hail on
localized areas. Violent lightning can strike the ground several miles
away from its parent cloud. Thunderstorms can cause tornadoes and
flash floods.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Mitigation There are a number of specific measures you can adopt to mitigate the
impact of thunderstorms. Here are a few examples:
: Install lightning suppression systems on all high-risk buildings,
including those where animals are kept.
: Insure crops against storm damage loss through the Federal
Crop Insurance Corporation of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
: Because lightning strikes can cause fire; install appropriate
sprinkler systems and smoke detectors.
: Support the adoption and enforcement of a floodplain
management ordinance.
: Buy flood insurance through your local property insurance
agent (thunderstorms often cause flooding).
: If you live in a manufactured (mobile) home, securely tie it to a
solid foundation or anchors to keep the wind from shifting it
or turning it over.
: Build fences around single trees in pastures where horses and
livestock graze so they will not congregate under these trees in
storms.
Preparedness There are several steps that you can take to keep yourself and your
animals safe during thunderstorms. Some preparedness actions are
listed below.
: If you plan to be outdoors or your animals are kept outside,
check the latest weather forecast and keep an eye on the sky.
When you observe signs of an impending storm, such as
towering thunderheads, darkening skies, lightning, and
increasing winds, listen to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather forecast, or a
local radio or television station for the latest information.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
If you have animals that get nervous and pose a safety risk in
thunderstorms, contact your veterinarian for advice on how to mitigate
this situation.
Response Here are some recommendations that you should consider when
responding to a thunderstorm hazard:
: Evacuate from a manufactured (mobile) home with your
animals during a severe thunderstorm.
: Get inside a storm shelter, home or large building. Avoid
using the telephone except for emergencies, and stay away
from windows.
If you are outside and do not have time to reach a safe building or an
automobile, follow these rules:
: Avoid standing under a natural lightning rod such as tall,
isolated trees in an open area.
: Keep yourself and any animals away from open water, such as
a lake, pond, or river.
: Keep yourself and any animals away from tractors and other
metal farm equipment.
: Get off of and stay away from motorcycles, scooters, golf carts,
and bicycles. Put down golf clubs.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THUNDERSTORMS?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. In an average year lightning kills between 200 and 300 people in the United States.
3. A severe thunderstorm watch indicates that thunderstorms have been sighted in your area.
4. Animals in pastures should be provided with sources of shade and shelter that are not prone to
a lightning strike during thunderstorms.
6. People and animals are protected from lightning during thunderstorms by taking cover under a
tall isolated tree in an open area.
7. A person or animal struck by lightning will receive a severe electrical shock; however, they will
carry no electrical charge and can be safely handled.
Multiple Choice
8. Thunderstorms are NOT associated with which one of the following events?
a. Tornadoes c. Wildfires
b. Flash floods d. Drought
9. A measure to mitigate the impact of thunderstorms includes which one of the following?
a. Check weather forecasts
b. Evacuate with your animals
c. Clean up and repair damage
d. Obtain appropriate insurance
10. When preparing for thunderstorms, which one of these items should be available for the care
of animals?
a. Carriers for small animals c. Enough food for one week
b. Important documents d. Electric powered radio
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Floods are classified according to whether they are slow or fast rising.
Slow-rising floods are typical as flood waters move down a river or
stream and can often be predicted to reach a certain height. Flash
floods are usually the result of extremely heavy rain or melting snow
and occur suddenly. They can also result from a dam or levee failure.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Response The immediate danger from flash floods is from the strength of the
water current as it surges through an area, carrying debris and causing
injuries and drowning. This is a particular concern for farms and
livestock.
: Floods can interrupt power, disable fuel sources, and make
roads impassable.
: People may be stranded in their homes and farms or be
unable to reach their homes.
: Landslides may follow flooding.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Seconds may make the difference between life and death. If you hear a
flash flood warning on the radio or television, or hear the roar of
approaching waters, act immediately.
: Head for the nearest high ground without hesitation, bringing
with you animals in danger.
: Even if you are not sure where to take your animals, do not
leave them behind (unless it would compromise your safety).
: If you must leave an animal behind, ensure that it always has
an easy escape route. Never tie an animal up if floods are
pending. Many animals have died during floods when owners
left them confined.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Recovery Large-scale flooding can disrupt a community for a long time while
utilities are restored, debris is cleared, and property is repaired.
Dangers include:
: Outbreak of disease,
: Widespread animal death,
: Broken sewage lines and widespread water supply pollution,
: Broken gas lines, downed power lines, and fires.
Keep animals away from any of these dangers. Agricultural and grazing
lands can be ruined and crops destroyed by flooding, decreasing the
food supply for people and livestock. Fungal contamination of animal
feed can be toxic to animals and humans who consume the meat or
milk of cattle that ingest these fungal toxins.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT FLOODS?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
2. Floods can be classified according to whether they are slow or fast rising.
3. After a flood, empty all containers that contain contaminated water and clean them with dilute
chlorine bleach.
6. Following a flood, check the perimeter fences of pastures to ensure they are intact and that all
debris is removed before allowing animals to graze.
7. If your car stalls while in flowing water, wait a few minutes and attempt to restart the ignition.
Multiple Choice
8. Which notification is issued when flash flooding is possible within a designated watch area.
a. Flood watch c. Flash flood watch
b. Flood warning d. Flash flood warning
10. When returning to a building that has been flooded, take which one of the following actions?
a. Allow animals to eat food that has gotten wet
b. Use a match or lantern as a source of light
c. Allow animals such as horses to return immediately
d. Allow the building to air out before entering
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Response The destructive path of a tornado averages about 250 yards in width
and 15 miles in length. However, in extreme conditions, a tornado
may travel more than 300 miles and leave a path of total destruction
more than a mile wide. Tornadoes will travel up to 60 mph with wind
speeds approaching 400 mph within the tornado’s center. When
nearby, a tornado has a sound comparable to the combined roars of
several jet engines. The immediate threat from tornadoes is danger to
life and damage to property from violently whirling winds and debris
hurled through the air.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Recovery Tornadoes are part of a severe thunderstorm and may bring with them
the dangers of lightning, high winds, floods, and flash floods from
extremely heavy rainfall. Other risks include:
: The possibility of building collapse,
: Fallen trees and downed power lines,
: Broken gas lines,
: Broken sewer or water mains,
: Hazardous materials releases, and
: Fires.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT TORNADOES?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
4. During a tornado, turning horses and livestock out will help prevent them from being injured
by a building collapse, but may put them at risk from flying debris.
5. If there is no indoor shelter during a tornado, lie flat in a ditch or depression shielding your
head.
7. Tornadoes are part of a severe thunderstorm and may occur along with lightning, high winds,
floods and extremely heavy rainfall.
8. Furniture and mattresses may offer some protection against injury caused by a tornado.
Multiple Choice
9. A mitigation activity that will reduce the effects of tornadoes includes which one of the
following?
a. Evacuate with your pets
b. Do not drive if a tornado warning has been issued
c. Wait for an all-clear signal before leaving your shelter
d. Create a volunteer tornado spotting network
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Hurricanes Hurricanes usually strike coastal areas, but may also affect inland
regions. They begin as tropical depressions (low-pressure center),
progress to become tropical storms and finally hurricanes.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
On the average, six Atlantic hurricanes occur each year. Most occur in
August, September, and October, but the six-month period from June
1 to November 30 is considered the Atlantic hurricane season. Not all
of these violent storms strike land. The National Hurricane Center in
Miami monitors weather data and issues forecasts for hurricanes in the
Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern
Pacific Ocean. Your local National Weather Service office and local
and State officials may disseminate hurricane information.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
The following are some actions that you can take to help mitigate
hurricane hazards.
: Retrofit your home to withstand wind and flooding. Coastal
homes in flood hazard areas should be elevated. All windows
should be shuttered and structural connectors reinforced.
Check for hurricane strapping. Strengthen masonry that is not
reinforced. Consult FEMA’s Coastal Construction Manual
(FEMA-55) for guidance.
: Support the adoption and enforcement of floodplain
management requirements.
: In some cases the best mitigation may be not to build at all.
Protecting wildlife in areas such as dunes, wetlands, reefs and
barrier islands should also be a consideration.
: In addition to your property insurance, buy a flood insurance
policy. Renters also can buy a flood policy for personal
property.
: Determine sheltering options for you and your animals —
consider the following in your area and within a 100 mile
radius:
– motels/hotels that allow pets,
– boarding kennels,
– veterinary offices with boarding facilities,
– grooming shops,
– dog or horse race tracks, and
– approved areas at fairgrounds or parks.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Preparedness Plans should include animal evacuation locations. Once the plan is in
place, the community should conduct exercises (simulations of
emergency situations). Include animal concerns in emergency
preparedness drills.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Response The storm surge can destroy property along a coastline and is a major
threat to life. Dangers associated with a hurricane emergency also
include high winds that can demolish houses, uproot trees, and fill the
air with debris. Tornadoes may develop as a hurricane passes.
: Stay at home only if it is safe. If you are advised to evacuate
before the hurricane, follow directions. Do not attempt to
evacuate during a hurricane — stay indoors in windowless
rooms or hallways. Keep your small animals in carriers or
confined areas.
: If the storm center passes directly overhead, the wind will
calm. Don’t think the hurricane has passed while the eye is
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
over your area. When winds begin again, they quickly grow to
hurricane force and come from the opposite direction.
: Severe flooding may follow hurricanes as they move inland.
Stay away from river banks and streams. Monitor National
Weather Service advisories on flood stages.
Recovery Long-term hazards include interrupted gas, water, and electric power,
fires and explosions from gas leaks, fallen power lines, electrical short
circuits, and contaminated food and water. The following actions
should be taken when recovering from a hurricane.
: Dispose of perishable, contaminated, or water-soaked foods,
including any water or food for animals. This will also ensure
that stray or wild animals cannot eat it.
: If there is a boil water order in effect, do not drink or give
animals tap water unless you know it is safe. Official notices
will be given about the safety of the water supply.
: Avoid loose or dangling wires, and report them to the power
company. Inspect areas where animals are kept for loose wires.
: Report broken sewer or water mains to the water department.
: Check for gas leaks. Do not strike a match or relight
appliances until they have been inspected.
: Open windows and doors to let the air circulate. This will help
remove foul odors and protect you from collected gas. It also
will help dry out the house.
: Pump out the basement if it is flooded, but do it gradually.
Drain one third of the flood waters each day to minimize
further structural damage. Shovel out the mud while it is still
moist, and dry rugs and carpets thoroughly. It is especially
important to remove mud from barns as horses and livestock
will develop foot problems if they stand in mud for too long.
: Make any temporary repairs necessary to prevent further
losses, including repair to fencing needed to keep animals
confined. Ensure that substantially damaged structures are
elevated above the base flood elevation or relocated when
reconstructed.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT HURRICANES?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
2. Your animal’s vaccinations should be current before the hurricane season starts.
4. Hurricane winds are the most violent in the center (eye) of the storm.
5. Your out-of-state contact should have a copy of important papers, including current photos.
6. Hurricanes are confined to inland areas where they cause extensive damage.
Multiple Choice
8. This information is issued for an area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24
to 36 hours.
a. Storm surge c. Hurricane watch
b. Hurricane advisory d. Hurricane warning
9. This information is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less.
a. Storm surge c. Hurricane watch
b. Hurricane advisory d. Hurricane warning
10. This information tells where the storm is located, the intensity of wind speeds, and the
direction of movement.
a. Storm surge c. Hurricane watch
b. Hurricane advisory d. Hurricane warning
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Winter Storms Winter storms vary in size and strength. A storm may be large enough
to affect many States or only a portion of a single State. There are three
categories of winter storms. These are defined in the following table.
Winter storm watch Severe winter weather may affect your area.
Winter storm Severe winter weather conditions are expected.
warning
Ice storm warning Significant, possibly damaging, ice
accumulation is expected.
Heavy snow A snowfall of at least four inches in 12 hours
warning or six inches in 24 hours is expected
Blizzard warning Large amounts of falling or blowing snow and
winds of at least 35 mph are expected for
several hours.
Severe blizzard Considerable falling or blowing snow, winds at
warning least 45 mph, and temperatures of 10 F or
lower are expected for several hours.
High wind warning Winds of at least 40 mph are expected to last at
least one hour.
Traveler’s advisory Ice and snow are expected to hinder travel but
the anticipated weather conditions are not
serious enough to require warnings.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap people and animals in their cars
or inside buildings. These conditions can cause the loss of livestock.
Ice storms can break power lines causing widespread blackouts. This
can be a serious problem for dairy farmers, making it difficult for them
to milk their cows. Intensive farm industries, such as swine and poultry
farms, may suffer during these storms if their heating systems fail or
fuel cannot be delivered for power generators. Frozen water troughs
and snow-covered feed bunkers and pasture predispose animals to
malnutrition and dehydration.
Mitigation The following is a list of actions that can be taken to mitigate the
possible effects of winter storms.
: Purchase a flood insurance policy to cover possible flood
damage that may occur during the spring thaw.
: Store adequate amounts of fuel and extra feed before the
severe winter weather starts.
: Construct barns to withstand typical snow accumulations in
your area.
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keep a leash in the car. Put extra blankets in the car to keep
the dog warm.
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Recovery If the storm lasts more than one or two days, there is an increased
possibility of utility failures and interruption of services. This can lead
to extreme hardship and even death from extended exposure to cold
temperatures. Animals that live outside require additional feed and
owners must make sure that the animals have water available.
Although some livestock and horses will eat snow and ice in the winter
as a source of water, this varies among animals and cannot be relied
upon for all animals.
Lower critical
Hair coat Feed level temperature (o F)
summer coat or wet maintenance 60
fall coat maintenance 45
winter coat maintenance 32
heavy winter coat maintenance 19
Adapted from Brownson R, Ames D. Winter Stress in Beef Cattle. Alberta Beef Herd
Management. Alberta Agriculture, Calgary, Canada.
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Adapted from Brownson R, Ames D. Winter Stress in Beef Cattle. Alberta Beef Herd Management. Alberta
Agriculture, Calgary, Canada.
Recommendations for wind break requirements for livestock under winter conditions
: Wind has the most serious effects on livestock performance. Cold by itself has little influence
on feed performance, particularly for animals on full feed.
: Wind and snow must always be considered as a joint problem.
: Simple shelters, sheds and wind break fences are essential.
: Porous fences of 80 percent density offer the best wind protection for about 75 to 100 ft
downwind.
: Solid fences provide the best snow barrier, because 90 percent of drifting snow moves within
one foot of the ground.
: Buildings should be separated by at least 30 to 50 feet to prevent snowdrifts developing
between them.
Adapted from Publication 1461. Snow and wind control for farmstead and feedlot. Agriculture Canada. Calgary,
Canada, 1978.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT WINTER STORMS?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. A single layer of thick clothing offers the greatest protection if you must be outdoors during a
winter storm.
2. Winter storms may start deceptively mild, and escalate into severe weather within a few hours.
4. Burning charcoal in a fireplace is a good method for keeping warm during winter storms.
6. Cold weather itself does not put extra strain on a person’s heart; therefore adding strenuous
physical activity during these times is not a problem.
7. Nutritional requirements for livestock remain the same during cold weather.
Multiple Choice
8. Which of the following describes moisture falling from clouds and immediately freezing upon
impact?
a. Blizzard c. Ice storm
b. Heavy snowstorm d. Winter storm
9. Which type of information is issued when severe winter weather conditions are expected.
a. Winter storm watch c. Heavy snow warning
b. Winter storm warning d. Blizzard warning
10. Which type of information is issued when large amounts of falling or blowing snow and winds
of 35 mph are expected for several hours?
a. Winter storm watch c. Heavy snow warning
b. Winter storm warning d. Blizzard warning
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Drought and A drought occurs when there is no substantial rainfall for a long period
of time. Since different areas of the country receive widely differing
Extreme Heat amounts of rainfall, the amount of time it takes for drought conditions
to develop varies.
Local community officials will alert you through your local newspaper,
radio station, or television station when drought and extreme heat
conditions exist in your area. Although extreme heat conditions are
easily recognized, drought conditions often develop slowly and can
only be tracked through local weather advisories.
Mitigation The following guidelines will help you mitigate the effects of a drought
or extreme heat hazard.
: Practice personal water conservation measures to avoid
depletion of water supplies both before and during periods of
extended drought. If you are a farmer, consider establishing
alternative sources and supplies of water for your crops and
your animals.
: Conserve electricity. During periods of heat and drought,
people use a lot of power for air conditioning. Excessive drain
on the community’s energy supply could lead to another
emergency, such as a power shortage or outage. Insulating your
home will reduce the demand for air conditioning. Keeping
the thermostat set to 78 F will also reduce energy use.
: For large animals, consider creating artificial shade and
installing humidifiers to keep animals cool.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Never leave your pet in a parked car in the heat of the summer. Even
with the window open, pets can quickly suffer heat stroke and die.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. If they are provided with plenty of water to drink, it is safe to exercise animals when it is
extremely hot outside.
4. If you have to work with animals in extreme heat, you should provide regular rest periods for
the animals.
5. Animals that regularly require salt licks should not be provided with them during periods of
extreme heat or drought.
6. Hosing off animals periodically is a good method to help cool them off in hot weather.
7. As long as a window is partly rolled down, it is safe to leave pets in parked cars in the summer.
8. A prolonged drought can result in food shortages for people and animals.
Multiple Choice
10. Extreme heat is defined as _____ degrees above the average high temperature.
a. 5 c. 15
b. 10 d. 20
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Wildfires can occur at any time of the year, but usually occur during
hot, dry weather. Wildfires are usually signaled by dense smoke which
may fill the air for miles around. The National Weather Service, U.S.
Forest Service, and State forestry agencies combine to give wildfire
probability forecasts. Local radio and television stations broadcast
information and warnings on local fire conditions.
Mitigation There are many actions you can take to mitigate the effects of wildfires.
Many of these are listed to follow.
: Use only fire-resistant materials on the exterior of your home
or barn, including the roof, siding, decking, and trim.
: Consider installing sprinkler systems for buildings on your
property, and lawn sprinkler systems outdoors.
: When constructing pools and ponds, make them accessible to
fire equipment — they may serve as a source of water for
fighting wildfires.
: Have hoses that are long enough to reach all parts of your
building.
: Use fire carefully and wisely so that you do not cause a
wildfire. Teach family members and employees safe practices.
: Keep your chimney clean and install a spark arrestor.
: Avoid open burning during dry weather. Store firewood away
from your home and barns.
: Store hay, sawdust, or straw in a building separate from where
animals are housed. This is especially important during the
summer when freshly cured hay can suddenly ignite from
spontaneous combustion.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 4
Preparedness The following list outlines steps that you can take to prepare for
wildfires.
: Learn to recognize dangerous fire conditions and consult with
your local fire department on how to improve the safety of
your house and barns.
: Provide wide spacing between trees. Cut back vegetation
overhanging any building.
: Clear vegetation, including dead brush, from around your
house or barn to serve as a fire break. Fire breaks should be at
least 30 feet wide for all structures and 75 feet wide for homes
built in pine forests.
: Use fire-resistant plants on your property. Check with local
fire officials or a nursery about the best species for your area.
: Plan several evacuation routes with your animals in case fires
block your escape. If you have horses or livestock, make
arrangements ahead of time for a place to temporarily relocate
them. Fairgrounds, parks, racetracks, large animal shelters, or
with family or friends may be options available to you.
: Make sure your trailer is in good condition and keep the gas
tank of your car and truck filled. If you do not have enough
trailers, identify who else could help you evacuate. Practice
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your buddy system, teach your horse how to load into a trailer,
and practice your evacuation routes.
: Purchase rope or leather halters for horses and livestock
because nylon halters can melt when they heat up in a fire.
This may lead to deep burn wounds on the animal.
: Have fire tools handy at your home and in your barn: a ladder,
garden hoses, fire extinguishers, gas-operated water pumps,
shovels, rakes, and buckets.
: Keep your horses’ tetanus vaccinations current.
Response Use the following list to guide your actions when responding to a
wildfire.
: Place a sprinkler on the roofs and anything else that might be
damaged by fire to wet down the surfaces. Be sure that your
efforts do not jeopardize the water supply and pressure needed
by firefighters.
: If officials evacuate your area, leave immediately. Fires can
spread rapidly and unpredictably. If you have large numbers of
animals, horses, or livestock, it will take a much longer time to
evacuate these animals. If you are evacuating horses when the
fire is close, it may help to temporarily place a blindfold over
their eyes. Place pieces of cloth around the horses’ nostrils to
reduce the inhalation of smoke. Wet the horses’ tails and
manes and remove blankets on the horses’ backs.
: If you are unable to take animals with you, do not leave them
confined. If you have horses and livestock, let them out of the
barn and close all the doors. A horse may run back into a
burning barn if it gets frightened. Turn off the power and gas
and disconnect any electrical fences so that animals will not
injure themselves trying to escape. (These recommendations
are for livestock, poultry and other types of animals; house
pets should be leashed/crated and taken with you.)
: If you are on an outing in the woods when a fire breaks out,
note the weather conditions and wind direction. Determine
the direction of the fire and plan your escape routes in other
directions. If you had a campfire burning, be sure to
extinguish it before leaving. As you leave the area, be cautious
of wild animals crossing the road.
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Recovery The following list provides suggested actions during the recovery phase
of a wildfire emergency.
: Consult with your insurance agent and have damages assessed
as soon as possible. Take pictures or a video of damages.
: Wildfires can leave scorched and barren land, reducing grazing
land for livestock. This land may take many years or decades to
return to its previous condition. Major fires can destroy
ground cover, which leads to erosion.
: The most common cause of death in fires and in the days
afterward are complications from smoke inhalation. All
animals exposed to fire should be monitored for smoke
inhalation pneumonia. A veterinarian should be consulted
immediately for any burn injuries. Burn injuries can be
difficult and expensive to treat. They often require intensive
care.
: Care must be taken in re-entering burned areas. There may be
hot spots that could flare up without warning. Partially burned
structures and trees can be very unstable, and may suddenly
fall over. Do not tie animals to burned trees. Don’t allow
animals into areas where there may be ash pits (root systems
that have burned underground).
: Check any areas where animals and people will be for
dangerous debris — use a metal detector. Consult medical
personnel about tetanus vaccinations for your family and
animals.
: Debris from burned buildings should be removed before
animals re-enter the area. Metal pipes heated during a fire may
be coated with toxic residues from the heat damaged
galvanized components. If this occurs to your pasture fences,
they need to be cleaned before any animals come in contact
with them.
: Replant burned forests quickly and efficiently to reduce the
soil erosion. Ask your State forestry commission for guidelines.
Landslides, mud flows, and floods can follow wildfires due to
vegetation damage.
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3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT WILDFIRES
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
2. One way to decrease the chance of barn fires is the implementation and enforcement of no
smoking policies.
3. Sources of water to fight wildfires could include pools and farm ponds.
4. Animals recover quickly from burn injuries and usually do not require veterinary care.
5. If you have installed sprinkler systems, it is not necessary to evacuate from a wildfire when
officials ask that you do so.
6. Areas around burned buildings may contain debris that is hazardous to animals.
8. It is the natural instinct of horses to flee from fire; therefore, you do not need to worry about
them returning to a burning barn.
Multiple Choice
9. Which of the following is the most common cause of animal death in fires?
a. Complications from smoke inhalation
b. Tetanus from stepping on debris
c. Burn injuries
d. Viral infection
10. Wildfires can occur at any time during the year, but most often occur when conditions are:
a. Hot and humid c. Cool and humid
b. Hot and dry d. Cool and dry
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Summary In this unit you learned how the four phases of emergency
management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery — can
be applied to the emergency management and response to natural
meteorological hazards. At each level you were given practical advice to
protect yourself and your animals from the dangers that these hazards
cause.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 5
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A Geological Hazards:
UNIT 5 Applying the Four Phases
Overview This unit deals with geological hazards including landslides and
mudflows, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. It defines each of
these hazards and provides practical information for applying the four
phases of emergency management in relation to these hazards. It
focuses on protecting animals during such emergencies.
Landslides and Landslides occur in many parts of the country. They are characterized
by the down slope movement of rock, soil, or other debris. They can be
mudflows triggered during earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storm-generated
ocean waves, or other landslides. Landslides also can result from freeze-
thaw cycles, shrink-swell cycles, root wedging, animal burrows, natural
erosion or deposition, or the thaw of ice-bearing soils such as
permafrost. While most landslides are single events, more than one
third of the cases are associated with heavy rains or the melting of
winter snows. Increased housing development in landslide-prone areas
increases the potential damage if a landslide occurs.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 5
Mitigation Before buying land or building on any property, check with the county
land commissioner or the local office of the U.S. Geological Survey for
ground composition, drainage, and stability. Surveys of land that may
be susceptible to landslides should include grazing land.
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If you live in an area where landslide or mudflows can occur, and you
notice any of the above signs, be prepared to evacuate your home, barn
and stables.
Response Several actions can be taken to ensure a safer and more effective
response to a landslide or mudflow. Listed to follow are some of these
actions.
: If you are warned of an impending landslide or mudflow,
evacuate at once with your animals to stable ground. Do not
leave your animals behind. However, do not let the movement
of animals delay your own evacuation and endanger your
safety.
: If you are inside a building during a landslide, stay inside and
get under a desk, table, or other piece of sturdy furniture.
: If you are outside and cannot get into a sturdy building while
scattered rocks and debris tumble toward you, curl into a tight
ball and protect your head.
: If you are in a valley, once you hear rumbling from upstream
or feel the ground tremble — leave. These may be signs that
indicate that a mudflow is coming your way. Do not try to
outrun a landslide — instead move at right angles to the
direction of flow.
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Other long-term dangers from this hazard include the continued threat
of landslides due to unstable land. Erosion from the loss of adequate
ground cover could be very damaging and lead to flash flooding during
periods of heavy rain or following heavy snows.
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3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT LANDSLIDES?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. Instead of trying to outrun a mudflow, you should move at right angles to the direction of the
flow.
2. Planting ground cover on slopes will help prevent damage from landslides on your property.
3. It is safe to leave animals behind when evacuating due to a landslide or mudflow, because they
will be able to outrun danger.
5. More than one third of all landslides are associated with heavy rains or melting snow.
6. The down slope movement of rock, soil, or other debris characterizes landslides.
8. Erosion following a landslide can lead to flash flooding during heavy rain.
Multiple Choice
9. Which of the following is defined as a flow or river of liquid mud running down a hillside?
a. Avalanche c. Mudflow
b. Landslide d. Flood
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Mitigation Listed below are several actions that can be taken to mitigate the
harmful effects of earthquakes.
: Check your local emergency manager for potential earthquake
and fire risks.
: Bolt down or reinforce water heaters and other gas appliances.
Use flexible gas line and appliance connections wherever
possible. Know where to turn off the gas supplies to your
house or barn.
: Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves and securely
fasten shelves to walls taller than 5 feet. Brace anchor all tall or
top-heavy objects.
: Do not place dog runs or other animal enclosures underneath
things that might fall on them during an earthquake, such as a
chimney or a heavy retaining wall. Include a pair of bolt
cutters in your disaster kit. Gates can sometimes become
damaged and unable to be opened.
: Affix tabletop equipment (such as computers or typewriters)
with industrial strength Velcro. Overhead lighting fixtures
should be anchored solidly in place.
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Preparedness Prepare yourself, your family and your animals for earthquakes by
following the guidelines listed below.
: Prepare a family earthquake plan and conduct family
earthquake drills. Include animals in these exercises.
: Discuss earthquakes and other possible disasters so that
younger members of your family understand how to take
action without fear. Instructional videos are available for this.
: Designate an out-of-state contact and be sure that all members
of your family know how to reach this person. If possible,
include the out-of-state contact number on your animal’s
identification.
: Know where the safest places are at home, work, or school.
: Teach responsible members of your family how to turn off gas,
electricity, and water at main switches and valves. Check with
your local utility offices for instructions.
: Learn how to extinguish small fires and to provide emergency
first aid.
: Be prepared to survive for 72 hours without any assistance.
Remember to include supplies for your animals.
: Test your radio, flashlights and batteries when daylight savings
time arrives to ensure your ready response. Keep spare bulbs
for flashlights.
: All the members in your household and your horses should
have a current tetanus vaccination.
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The actual movement of the ground is seldom the direct cause of death
or injury to humans and animals. The following commonly cause
earthquake-related casualties:
: Partial or total building collapse, including toppling chimneys
or walls, falling ceiling plaster, light fixtures, and pictures;
: Flying glass from broken windows and skylights (this danger
may be greater from windows in high-rise structures);
: Overturned bookcases, fixtures, and other large furniture and
appliances falling on people and animals;
: Fires resulting from broken chimneys and broken gas lines;
: Electrocution from fallen power lines; and
: Exertion and fear leading to heart failure.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 5
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. Geologists can predict exactly when and where earthquakes will occur.
2. If you are in your car during an earthquake, stop immediately and get out.
4. The best thing to do if you are in a building during an earthquake is to get out of the building.
5. Animals always sense earthquakes before they occur and will usually bite, kick, or scratch you.
7. The beach is a safe place to stay until earthquake aftershocks have passed.
Multiple Choice
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 5
Mitigation The most effective mitigation measure to avoid property damage is not
to build or live in buildings within several hundred feet of the
coastline. Even the strongest buildings can be damaged or undermined
by a powerful tsunami.
Preparedness Tsunamis can be detected before they strike land and local warning
systems are in place. Approaching tsunamis usually are preceded by a
pronounced rise or fall of coastal water. This action is nature’s tsunami
warning and should be heeded. Many people have been trapped while
exploring the newly uncovered sea bottom for marine life as the sea
retreats before the giant wave strikes. Follow these general guidelines to
prepare for tsunamis.
: If you live near a coastal area and have experienced or heard of
a recent earthquake or volcano, listen to your radio for a
tsunami warning.
: If you hear of a tsunami warning, do not go down to the beach
to look for the tsunami. If you can see it, you will be too close
to escape it.
: Adequately identify all animals so that if they are separated
from you, they can be traced and returned.
Response There are several ways that you may be warned of an approaching
tsunami:
: Your community may be warned by radio or television
announcements.
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Recovery Risks associated with tsunamis include broken sewage lines, polluted
water supplies, damaged gas lines, and downed power lines and fences.
If your home, apartment, business or farm has been damaged,
document the damage with photos and videos and call your insurance
agent, who will advise you what to do next. Follow the same
instructions regarding water, food, and building safety as in other
sections of this course, such as for floods and earthquakes.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 5
3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT TSUNAMIS?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
2. Tsunami waves are usually visible before they approach the coastline.
3. Two events that may trigger tsunamis are earthquakes and hurricanes.
4. Tsunami waves usually arrive within a few moments of each other and the entire event lasts
about an hour in length.
7. It is important to plan several escape routes in the event a tsunami should occur.
Multiple Choice
8. Not building a home within several hundred feet of the coastline to avoid damage from
tsunamis is an effective example of which of the four phases of emergency management?
a. Mitigation c. Response
b. Preparedness d. Recovery
10. Which of the following is one of the first steps you should take when recovering from
tsunamis?
a. Check for injuries and seek medical advice
b. Document damage with photos and videos and call your insurance agent
c. Call the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance
d. Call the Small Business Administration to seek a loan
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 5
Volcanoes Volcanoes form where weak spots or breaks in the earth’s crust allow
the magma to push toward the surface. When the pressure of gas and
magma becomes too great, the volcano erupts. Magma may pour
through the vent opening in lava flows or shoot into the air as dense
clouds of gas and dust (ash) fall. Volcanic eruptions can generate mild
to moderate earthquakes, mudflows, flash floods, tsunamis and huge
ash clouds that can create intense lightning storms.
Mitigation Because areas far from the volcano may be affected, you should listen
for advisories as to whether your area will be impacted. Warnings
include information about the approximate time, place, and extent of
the effects as well as the uncertainties involved in making the
prediction. Evacuation routes for yourself and your animals should be
determined in advance for use if needed.
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Response The degree of hazard to human and animal life and property resulting
from a volcano depends on the type and distance from the eruption.
Hazards include lava flows, rock falls, ash falls, earthquakes, mudflows,
and flash floods. Take the following actions when responding to a
volcanic eruption.
: Heed official warnings of imminent volcanic eruption.
: If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
: Following an eruption, flash floods resulting from glacier
outbursts can cause overflow from dams and reservoirs. Avoid
stream beds and valleys in the vicinity of a volcano. If caught
in a low area, run uphill to avoid injury from flash floods or
mudflows.
: During ash fall, close all windows, doors, and dampers in your
home and where your animals are housed. Put all machinery
inside a garage or barn. Bring animals into closed shelters. Stay
indoors until the ash has settled.
: Do not attempt to drive in heavy ash fall, it will stir up more
ash and clog and stall your vehicle.
: If caught in a small rock fall (not a landslide), roll into a ball
and protect your head. If caught outside during ash fall, keep
your mouth and nose covered to avoid inhalation of ash.
Cover your eyes and keep your skin covered to avoid irritation
or burns. Do the same for animals where possible and
practical. Respiratory diseases can develop in any persons or
animals that are exposed to the fumes and fine ash suspended
in the air.
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Recovery Hazards within the immediate vicinity of the volcano come from heavy
ash fall, which can darken the sky as if it were nightfall. The increased
demand for lighting could result in power failures. Ash may be carried
by winds for thousands of miles and affect distant areas long after the
eruption. Secondary eruptions and lava flows can occur in the days,
weeks, or months after a volcanic eruption.
The ash is actually pulverized rock. A one-inch layer weighs ten pounds
per square foot. Ash can clog waterways, reservoirs, and machinery and
its weight can cause roofs to collapse.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 5
3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT VOLCANOES?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. Volcanic ash is often contaminated with heavy metals that can be toxic to humans and
animals.
2. If you are indoors during actual ash fall, open all doors and windows to increase ventilation.
3. Volcanic ash and lava is usually slow moving, so there is ample time to evacuate.
4. The danger area around volcanoes can extend several hundred miles.
5. The eruption of Mount St. Helens spread thick layers of ash over thousands of square miles.
6. Volcano warning information includes the exact time, place and extent of effects.
Multiple Choice
9. Which of the following agencies assesses information related to the development of impending
geological disasters?
a. Department of Energy
b. Environmental Protection Agency
c. State highway patrol
d. U.S. Geological Survey
10. People and animals that are exposed to ashfall are most susceptible to which of the following?
a. Bacterial infection c. Dehydration
b. Respiratory disease d. Viral infection
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 5
Summary In this unit you learned how the four phases of emergency
management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery — can
be applied to the emergency management and response to natural
geological hazards. At each level you were given practical advice to
protect yourself and your animals from the dangers that these hazards
cause.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 6
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A Technological Hazards:
UNIT 6 Applying the Four Phases
Many farmers are familiar with the appropriate methods for handling
commonly used hazardous materials, such as herbicides, pesticides,
and fertilizers. The general public needs a better understanding of what
hazardous materials are and how to deal with them.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 6
You can find out about hazards through legislation called the “Right to
Know Act.” Your local fire department or emergency management
agency can provide you with information on hazardous chemicals in
your community. Individuals and animal facilities should have a plan
for dealing with hazardous materials on their property.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 6
zones and listen for public announcements on the radio or other local
information system.
For animals that graze or live outside, hazardous materials can present
additional problems. Animals exposed to low levels of hazardous
materials may not appear clinically affected, but their meat, milk and
eggs may contain residues that present health risks for humans.
Contact a specialist for advice if you think your animal has been
exposed. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food Safety and Inspection Service are trained and qualified to deal
with these issues. Other sources of information regarding hazardous
materials and animals include:
: Federal and State Food and Drug Administration;
: State chemists, whose role includes the safety of animal feeds;
: The National Animal Poison Control Center;
: Colleges and schools of veterinary medicine;
: State disease diagnostic laboratories; and
: Hazardous materials teams in some areas.
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Agency/Center Responsibility
Local public health Safeguards the public when food or water supplies may be affected or
department when dwellings may become contaminated.
A chemist and May provide advice on toxicity and personnel protection as well as
toxicologist from the recommendations to the scene manager regarding actions to reduce
local health department public health hazards.
Agency/Center Responsibility
State Office of Arranges State and regional mutual aid support and provides liaison
Emergency Services with State agencies.
State Department of Assists and/or provides identification and containment of all materials
Transportation on State highways and freeways or unincorporated county roadways.
State Police or Highway Provides general control of the perimeter of the incident (e.g.,
Patrol regulating traffic) and other roles depending on State law and incident
requirements.
State Department of Provide recommendations and guidelines when hazardous materials
Fish and Game and spills are likely to contaminate streams and/or waterways or would
regional water quality otherwise affect wildlife resources.
control boards
State Occupational Often possess technical knowledge useful to an incident commander
Safety and Health in the areas of exposure, protection and control of hazardous
Administration (OSHA) materials. In an incident in which employees have been injured due to
personnel exposure, or in a prolonged incident, State OSHA personnel may
respond. The State department of health employs health scientists who
can help assess the potential human impact of a toxic release.
State department of Can predict the environmental impact of actions the incident
environmental commander is considering. (For more information about the Incident
protection Command System, see Module B of this course, Unit 5.)
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State and local fire Have specific expertise relating to chemical behavior and fire codes.
marshal
The U.S. Department of The agency that oversees food inspection for human safety, including
Agriculture Food Safety carcasses that may have been exposed to hazardous materials.
Inspection Service
Agency/Center Responsibility
National Response Staffed by the U.S. Coast Guard, this center operates a 24-hour hotline
Center (NRC) to communicate notices of major hazardous materials discharges to the
appropriate authorities. The NRC can also provide the local
government with the expertise and resources of other Federal agencies.
Environmental Primarily responsible for hazardous waste site operations, cleanup
Protection Agency (EPA) activities, and environmental impact.
Department of Establishes the nation’s overall transportation policy. It bears the
Transportation (DOT) primary responsibility for issuing standards and regulations relating to
the transportation of hazardous materials from State to State.
Department of Energy Primary responsibility in the hazardous materials arena involving
(DOE) radioactive waste generated by the nuclear weapons program or by
nuclear reactors that supply energy.
Department of Defense Responsible for maintaining personnel, equipment, and other
(DOD) resources for potential use in military conflict. DOD manufactures,
stores, and discards the full range of hazardous materials and is also
one of the nation’s largest shippers of such materials. The DOD can
also provide response teams and equipment.
OSHA Responsible for establishing rules and standards to ensure that
occupational environments are safe for workers. As part of this
function, OSHA regulates employee safety and health at hazardous
waste operations, in work environments where hazardous materials are
present, or during emergency response to incidents involving
hazardous materials.
National Agricultural Has identified a group of specialists designated as the Pesticides Safety
Chemicals Association Team. The team provides advice for incidents involving pesticides and
will dispatch a response team to the site if one is needed.
FEMA Available to provide additional financial relief in the event of an
incident so serious that local and State funds prove inadequate.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 6
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. Animals that have been exposed to hazardous materials present no danger to people.
2. Household compounds like cleaning materials are not considered hazardous materials.
3. There is little that untrained members of the public can do to intervene in a hazardous
materials event.
4. If you suspect that your animal has been poisoned, the best resource to contact is a human
poison consulting service, they always have information pertaining to humans and animals.
5. Animals that ingest low levels of hazardous materials may not appear clinically affected.
7. When hazardous materials releases occur during the day when people are at work, officials are
prepared to let owners into secured areas to retrieve their pets.
Multiple Choice
9. Which of the following agencies safeguards the public when food or water supplies may be
affected and when dwellings may be contaminated?
a. Local public health department
b. Environmental Protection Agency
c. Office of Emergency Preparedness
d. Food and Drug Administration
10. Which of the following agencies has the primary responsibility when hazardous materials
accidents involve radioactive waste?
a. Sheriff’s department c. Department of Transportation
b. Department of Energy d. Environmental Protection Agency
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Alpha and beta particles can cause surface skin wounds and internal
damage if radioactive compounds that emit these are inhaled or
swallowed. Gamma and X-rays can cause whole body damage because
of the extent of penetration.
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Each isotope has its own specific half-life and most have an affinity for
specific tissues. The half-life, or decay of an isotope is the speed at
which that isotope reaches one half of its original radioactive strength.
For example: the half-life of iodine-131 is eight days. After eight days, it
reaches one half of its original radioactivity. In another eight days, the
radioactivity is again reduced by one half. The longer the half-life the
more persistent the isotope is in the environment.
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Generally there are two zones of concern: one up to 10 miles from the
plant called the plume zone and the other up to 50 miles from the
plant called the ingestion pathway zone. (The ingestion pathway zone is
named such because radioactive material may be deposited on crops
and grasses and contaminate animal or human food.) Action for each
zone depends on the direction and speed of the wind. For example, if
the wind is going in a westerly direction the recommendations for the
west would be different from those made for the east.
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The rapid evacuation of people may require that animals are left in
barns. Regulatory officials may prohibit entry into the area if it is
radioactive. However, short trips may be allowed to care for and milk
farm animals. Officials will determine the frequency, duration, and
equipment required for these trips. The amount of radiation personnel
performing these chores receive will be checked with dosimeters.
Many nuclear facility plans do not account for pets and livestock
evacuation or on-premise care in the event of radiation release. By
working with the facility planners, much can be accomplished in
correcting these shortfalls.
Preparedness The following actions can be taken to prepare for radiation hazards.
: Those living near a fixed nuclear site should know where the
sirens are located and under what circumstances they are
activated. The emergency alert system gives specific directions
for actions, announcements describing the incident at the
nuclear facility, evacuation routes, emergency shelter locations,
and other actions to be taken.
: Know where the emergency shelters for your area are located
to prevent searching at the time of the incident. (Shelters are
also called congregate care centers or mass care centers.)
Shelters may not take pets so having a pre-arranged place to
take them is important and will reduce concern for animals
left in jeopardy.
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Response If the sirens in the area are activated, listen on radio or television to
the designated emergency alert station. Follow the directions closely. If
evacuation notices are given it is very important that they are obeyed as
soon as possible. The closer the farm is to the incident, the less time is
available to shelter without endangering the life of the owner. Follow
local instructions as to whether to take your pets with you when you
evacuate. Close up the house and leave quickly.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 6
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
2. Two things that can be done to protect people and animals from radiation are creating a
distance from the source and creating a barrier to the radioactivity.
3. When evacuation and sheltering are necessary during a radioactive release incident,
recommendations are made for people before a similar recommendation for animals.
5. Having a pre-arranged place to take pets, horses, and livestock will help when an evacuation of
a farm or home occurs.
6. If there is a release of radiation and there has been radioactive contamination, the area of
contamination will be sealed off by the authorities.
7. Any animal owner can easily decontaminate animals exposed to radioactive materials.
Multiple Choice
9. Which of the following refers to a reactor accident that involves actual or likely major failures
of plant functions needed to protect the public?
a. Unusual event c. Site area emergency
b. Alert d. General emergency
10. Which of the following refers to a reactor accident that involves actual or imminent substantial
care degradation or melting with potential for loss of containment integrity?
a. Unusual event c. Site emergency
b. Alert d. General emergency
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Alpha Particle – Two neutrons and two protons typically arising from the decay of heavy metals
such as uranium, plutonium and radium. The large mass and two positive charges result in large
direct ionization potential but little ability to penetrate. Alpha particles cannot penetrate through a
piece of paper or skin.
Beta Particle – Negatively or positively charged particle emitted from the nucleus as an unstable
atom. They can penetrate the skin.
Biological Half-life – The times it takes for the body to reduce the amount by one-half its original
amount through elimination.
Electromagnetic Wave – Energy resulting from changing electric and magnetic fields. Long wave
lengths are x and gamma rays where the shorter wave lengths are ultraviolet and visible lights and
the shortest wave lengths are radar, radio and television.
Fallout – The descent of airborne particulate matter. Although this could refer to soot, dust, etc.,
it is now generally used in reference to radioactive materials incorporated in particulate matter
such as dust and sand as the result of a nuclear detonation or release of radioactive materials from
a nuclear power plant.
Gamma rays – A nuclear electromagnetic ray with no mass or charge. Gamma rays can penetrate
many centimeters into the tissue.
Neutrons – A man-made nuclear source of nuclear radiation resulting from a fission process.
There is no electrical charge and neutrons can travel considerable distance in the air and penetrate
the body tissues.
Radioactive Decay (half-life) – The amount of time it takes for an element to reach half of its
initial value. The decay rate is the rate of disintegration of a radioactive material.
Radioactivity – The spontaneous disintegration of atoms from an unstable form to a more stable
form; the transformation rate of an atom resulting in the emission of radiation in the form of
alpha, beta or gamma rays.
Radiation – Kinetic energy being emitted in rays such as heat, light, sound and radioactivity.
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Radiotoxicity – The relative hazards of the various radionuclides and electromagnetic rays and
their effect within the body.
X-rays – An artificial source of ionizing radiation. It has the same physical properties of gamma
rays but this form of radiation is used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 6
Summary In this unit you learned how the four phases of emergency
management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery — can
be applied to the emergency management and response to
technological hazards. At each level you were given practical advice to
protect yourself and your animals from the dangers that these hazards
cause.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A
UNIT 7 The Care of Pets in Disasters
Overview This unit gives practical advice for pet owners and caregivers. It is the
most comprehensive of the units in terms of protecting your pets in a
disaster. It reviews the four phases of emergency management and gives
specific recommendations for mitigating, preparing for, responding to
and recovering from all types of disasters. Special emphasis is given to
your emergency plan and disaster kit.
The care of pets Although we all like to think, “It will never happen to me,” disasters
can strike anyone at any time. We typically think of disasters as
in disasters cataclysmic events such as floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes. However,
individual family disasters are much more common. It is estimated that
the United States suffers more than 150,000 household fires; 10,000
violent thunderstorms; 5,000 floods; 800 tornadoes; many forest fires
and several hurricanes and earthquakes every year. Each year, two to
three million people are affected by disasters. Many of these people
own animals and must provide care for these animals and themselves.
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Disasters can strike Often you cannot prevent a disaster from occurring but you can reduce
quickly and the impact of a disaster. A little planning goes a long way toward
unannounced reducing injuries, death and suffering. This applies to your pets and
yourself. You and your pets will need shelter, water and food. You
should also consider the stresses that will be imposed on owners and
their pets. Mental health providers are a good resource when the
disruption of the daily routine results in pain, fear and confusion.
You are ultimately responsible for the survival and well-being of your
pet. You should have an emergency response plan and readily
accessible kits with provisions for family members and pets.
Mitigation The best way to mitigate disasters for your pets is to avoid the disaster
in the first place. Throughout this course you have learned about
mitigation for specific hazards. All of these mitigation measures will
help reduce the impact of or avoid disasters for your pets too.
To prevent losing With unfamiliar sounds, smells and sights that follow a disaster, pets
your pet in a disaster can easily become confused and get lost.
: Dogs and cats should wear appropriate identification at all
times. Examples of appropriate identification include: tags
with your name, address and phone number. You should also
include the phone number of a friend or relative from out-of-
state. More permanent methods include
microchips, freeze marking and tattoos.
Examples of appropriate identification for birds
include: leg bands, microchips or tattoos. These
are most useful if the information on them is
included in a national registry.
: Current photographs of your pet will help with
identification after a disaster. You should also
send photos of your pet to your out-of-state
friend or relative.
: Know your cat and dog’s common and favorite hiding places.
Once the chaos starts, this is where you will find them.
: Make a list of the places where you can get veterinary care,
food, shelter and housing for your pets in an emergency. Find
out what they provide and what they would need from you.
Make a commitment to gather this information now. Special
facilities may be required for birds or exotic animals.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
Preparedness
Develop an How can you get started with emergency preparedness? The following
emergency plan and recommendations will help reduce the impact of a disaster.
practice it : Start by imagining the types of disasters that you might
encounter. This is the first step toward developing an effective
disaster plan.
: Develop a general family disaster plan. The American Red
Cross provides excellent courses for this and has brochures
that will help you and your children in developing and
exercising your plan. Add specific plans for your pet.
: Practice evacuation of your family and pets until
you can evacuate within a few minutes.
Everybody in the family should participate,
including your pets.
: Decide on a place where your family will meet if
you get separated.
: Decide who will take care of your pet and where
he or she will stay during a crisis.
: Determine the best room in the house to leave
your pet if you must evacuate without your pet.
This will vary with the type of pet you own and
the type of disaster.
: Make arrangements for pet care with neighbors,
family and friends. Make sure they have keys to
your house and leave information on where you
will be, how you can be reached, which room
the animals are in, and how to care for your
pets.
: Think of who you would phone outside of your
area. Often people cannot phone into a disaster
zone, but it is possible to phone out. An out-of-
state contact can help relay information and keep your family
connected.
: Keep a supply of quarters to use for pay phones as they will
most likely be the first public communication to resume.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
Accustom your pets to Actions taken in preparation for a disaster include the following.
sudden actions as : Train your dog. Obedience may save its life during an
would be needed in a emergency and help to make it a welcome guest.
disaster
: Familiarize your pet with its transport crate before a crisis.
: Familiarize your pet with being transported. You can practice
drills with your pet by getting it used to riding with you in
your car. That way it will not be unduly alarmed if it has to
evacuate in a disaster.
: Cats can be very difficult to catch when they are stressed or
afraid. Practice catching and transporting your cat in a crate
and carrying it around the house. This will allow your pet to
become familiar with the transport box.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
Prepare a disaster kit You should have a disaster kit for each pet. Do not store kits in the
for each pet kitchen or the garage. These are frequently the areas where fires start.
Kits and their contents should be easily retrieved and kept in rodent-
and ant-proof containers. Check the contents of the disaster kits twice
a year when the clocks change for daylight savings. Rotate all foods
into use and replace with fresh food every two months. Here are some
items that are recommended for your disaster kit:
: Extra collars and tags, harnesses and leashes for all pets
(including cats).
: Muzzles may be needed to control agitated and
aggressive animals — for dogs, these can be made from
gauze rolls or panty hose. A muzzle or towel can be
used for cats. A towel can be used to restrain your
bird if it becomes agitated and aggressive during the
confusion.
: Extra pet food to avoid diet changes in stressful
situations.
: Toys or blankets your pet will find familiar.
: A manual can opener.
: A supply of stored drinking water.
: Food, water, and bowls for each pet.
: Paper towel, plastic bags, and spray disinfectant for
animal waste clean up.
: Copies of your pet’s medical and vaccination records.
Boarding facilities may not accept your pets without
proof of health.
: If your pet is on medication, ask your veterinarian about
keeping extra supplies of medication or a copy of the
prescription for these medications in your kit. Mark your
calendar to replace medications before they expire.
: Include a recent photo of your pet.
: Your crate should be easily accessible and large enough for
your pet to stand up and turn around. Since animals may be
sheltered in open facilities, make sure there is enough bedding
to keep them warm. You should also label the crate with your
pet’s name, your name and where you can be reached.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
: A first aid kit should include only materials that you know
how to use. Remember that if your pet has a problem and you
do not know exactly what it is, you should consult a
veterinarian. Useful items for a first aid kit for pets include:
– bandaging materials to cover wounds,
– animal antiseptic ointment,
– clippers,
– latex gloves, and
– tweezers.
Your pet’s health To minimize ill health effects of a disaster, make sure that:
: Your pet’s vaccinations are current. Most vaccinations are
repeated yearly. Rabies is repeated every three years in most
species, but may be required yearly (depending on the type of
vaccine and State requirements).
: Keep copies of your pet’s current vaccinations, health and
ownership records in your disaster kit.
: If your pet requires regular medications, keep a current copy of
your pet’s prescription or extra supplies in your disaster
preparedness kit.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
Response Several actions will help ensure a safe response to a disaster. Several of
these are listed below.
: Stay calm and assess the situation.
: Never put yourself or others at risk. Do not attempt to rescue
your pet if your life or health or that of others may be placed
in danger.
: Crate your cat or dog immediately. If you do not, your pet may
sense danger. This will make them want to hide and they
become more difficult to catch and crate.
: Listen to the emergency alert system on your radio or
television for instructions on what you should do and whether
special arrangements have been made for people with pets.
Follow these guidelines and incorporate them into your
actions.
: If your pet has been exposed to chemicals, get information on
how to handle it without harming yourself. You should have
identified sources of veterinary care and other information in
your emergency plan.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
Recovery When the disaster has passed, it is not uncommon to find that once
familiar surroundings have been rearranged. Pets that rely on visual
and olfactory (scent) cues may become disoriented.
Here are some guidelines that may help you through the recovery
period.
: Check your pet for injury and exposure to chemicals. If you
have any concerns about the health of your pet or their
exposure to hazardous materials, contact a veterinarian before
you attempt to treat them.
: If you have to move to new surroundings, do not remove your
pet from its crate until it is calm. Do so only in a closed room.
: Be careful in allowing your
cat or dog out after a major
disaster. Follow the
recommendations of the
emergency management
personnel as to whether the
environment is safe for you
and your pet.
: Give your pet small amounts
of food and water several
times throughout the day.
The volumes of food may be
increased to normal over
three to four days.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
1. Law enforcement and firefighters are ultimately responsible for the survival and well-being of
pets.
2. Permanent identification or identification tags and collars should be on animals at all times.
3. Current photos of your pets should be kept in your disaster kit and sent to your out-of-state
contact.
5. Turning your pets loose in a disaster always increases their chance of survival.
6. Pets lost after a disaster can always find their way home using olfactory or visual cues.
Multiple Choice
9. How often should rabies vaccinations be repeated? (For most species of animals)
a. Twice per year c. Every ten years
b. Every five years d. Every one or three years
10. If you are asked to evacuate, which one of the following actions is the safest for your pets?
a. Tie pets up outside c. Leave pets in your home
b. Let pets loose d. Take pets with you
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 7
Summary In this unit you learned how the four phases of emergency
management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery — can
be applied to the care of your pet in a disaster. At each level you were
given practical advice to protect yourself and your animals from the
dangers that all types of hazards cause.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A The Care of Livestock and
UNIT 8
Horses in Disasters
Overview This unit gives practical advice for the farmer or large animal caregiver.
It is the most comprehensive of the units in terms of protecting your
livestock and horses in a disaster. It reviews the four phases of
emergency management and gives specific recommendations for
mitigating, preparing for, responding to and recovering from all types
of disasters. Emphasis is given to issues such as evacuation of large
animals and the restoration of farms as businesses.
Objectives Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to do the following:
: Prevent flooding, fire or power failures from harming your
livestock and horses
: Safely transport, communicate and obtain medical assistance
for your livestock and horses in disasters
: Evacuate, feed and identify your livestock and horses in a
disaster
: Take steps to ensure that your animal-related business fully
recovers from a disaster
: Apply the four phases of emergency management to the care
of livestock and horses in disasters
The care of Many farms are vulnerable to natural disasters and require special
consideration in the protection against disasters. Their owners depend
livestock and on the farm’s income for their livelihood. There are often many
horses in chemicals, such as fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides, that can be
spilled in a disaster. In this section, you will learn about some of the
disasters
basic principles of disaster mitigation for livestock and horse farms.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Farms in disasters are of concern for many reasons, some of which are
listed below.
: The safety of the human food supply depends on the health of
food-producing animals.
: Owners have personal and financial investments in their
animals.
: Farm owners may be injured or killed attempting to rescue
their animals in disasters.
: For many States and businesses, livestock, poultry and horses
are a vital source of revenue.
Protecting and saving human life is the first priority of disaster relief.
Protecting property is of secondary concern. Because of this,
emergency management officials are not trained to deal with animals
as property or the restoration of animal-related businesses. Therefore,
farm owners should work with their emergency management agency
and other groups before a disaster. Though, they should remember
that the care of and responsibility for all animals lies with their owner
or designated care provider.
Mitigation There are many things that can be done on farms to mitigate disasters.
Some of these are listed to follow.
: Build and repair buildings to meet or exceed construction
codes and consider ease of evacuation.
: Replace or cover glass windows with materials that will not
shatter and injure animals or personnel.
: Make sure that drainage ditches have grass covering (maintain
sod).
: Prevent ground-burrowing animals from damaging dams and
levees.
: Avoid accumulating piles of trash that can spill onto other
persons’ property and injure animals and people.
: Store chemicals in storm-proof buildings and secured
containers.
: Do not leave construction materials unsecured. In high winds,
these may become projectiles.
: Drain or build levees around ponds that could flood.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Flooding Many farms are in floodplains, but some farm owners and managers
have a false sense of security. Many people do not realize that living in
a 100-year floodplain means that the chance of flooding is calculated as
1 percent chance of flooding per year or 30 percent chance in the life-
span of many mortgages. The following resources are available.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Fire safety Barn fires tend to break out in the winter and summer months when
barn doors are closed and the demand for heating, cooling (fans) and
lighting is at its highest. Many livestock facilities are built of flammable
materials and some contain gas heaters. Safety measures to prevent the
damage caused by fires include the following.
: Fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors and
enforced no smoking policies can greatly reduce the risk of
fires.
: Electrical wiring of barns and stables should meet appropriate
safety standards and be installed by qualified electricians.
Professional advice is available to help with these.
: The State department of building and fire safety and most
local fire departments provide low-cost inspections and
recommendations on fire safety for properties. The
recommendations are detailed and will provide the highest
standards by which to prevent fires.
: Farm owners should consult with their local fire department
on how to fireproof their stables. This also familiarizes farm
owners and local firefighters with one another. This familiarity
is helpful in the event of an emergency. Knowing where a farm
is located, how to access facilities, how many animals are there,
and where large volumes of water are available can make the
difference when firefighters are responding.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Power supply and Priority for restoration of power following an emergency is usually
miscellaneous repairs based on human population density. Because many farms are in rural
areas, it could be some time before power is re-established. Many
livestock operations depend heavily on electrical power to milk cows,
provide heat and cool air (fans), and operate feed elevators and
machinery. Owners can find out about the relative priority of their
farm from their local utility company. This important information can
help farmers prepare for times without power.
Preparedness The priorities for disaster planning for farms varies to some extent with
the type of animals and facility. In general terms, the greatest priorities,
i.e., the most likely disasters to occur, are trailer accidents, floods, fires,
power outages and contagious disease outbreaks. Some locations will
have additional hazards to consider, such as high winds, landslides,
and hazardous materials. Owners should consult their local emergency
management office on what type of help is available and where to get
it.
Safety in animal Transportation accidents are one of the most common disasters that
transport horse and livestock owners will encounter. Preventive measures
include regular inspection of trailers and tow vehicles for safe
operation (including checking tire pressure). Reading materials and
videos are available. Refer to the appendix for some recommendations.
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Veterinarians can also instruct their clients on first aid for horses and
livestock and advise on the contents and appropriate use of first aid
kits.
Response
Feeding When livestock and horses are evacuated and housed in large
numbers, adequate amounts of feed may be difficult to procure.
: Develop lists of feed and hay suppliers in your area.
: Avoid dietary changes. When the diets of horses or livestock
change, they become predisposed to colic, laminitis and
metabolic diseases. Feeding diets that have moderate energy
levels and meet the minimum nutritional requirements
reduces the likelihood of illness.
Use the following table to judge how much water and feed your
animals may need.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
In areas where legume hays such as alfalfa are routinely fed, this type of
hay alone is likely to provide sufficient amounts of nutrition under
emergency conditions. In other situations, 25 percent of the energy
should be supplied from oats or sweet feed and 75 percent from hay.
All horses should also be regularly fed bran as a laxative.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Recovery Farms are traditionally concerned with restoring the animal industries
following a disaster.
: The long-term recovery phase of a disaster can be protracted,
with substantial adjustments occurring in the disaster-stricken
community.
: Restoration of businesses is facilitated through low-interest
loans supplied by the Small Business Administration and local
banks. Businesses with appropriate insurance coverage are
most likely to have the best recoveries.
: Farms often have special claims programs for recovery from
disasters — farmers should pay special attention to these and
consult their State emergency management officials and
county extension educators on what is available. In the past,
farmers have been unaware of the sources of funding available
to them to help recovery.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Restoration of farms Farms are often affected by local disasters, such as fires, floods,
as businesses chemical spills, and tornadoes. It is estimated that only 5 percent of
small businesses affected by a major disaster ever recover to a
functional state. This is likely due to inadequate
insurance coverage. Farms without sufficient records
will have a difficult time making an adequate
insurance claim. Major concerns for small
businesses, including farms, in disasters include the
following.
: Personnel,
: Cash flow,
: Continued income for employees,
: Continued provision of quality care for animals,
: Restoration of a functional business,
: Changes in community infrastructure, and
: Customer, buyer and supplier loyalty.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
3 LEARNING CHECK –
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT
THE CARE OF LARGE ANIMALS IN DISASTERS?
This activity is designed to assess your understanding of the information presented in this unit.
Directions: Answer the questions — use the Answer Key in Unit 10 to check your answers.
True or False
3. Video and photos can aid in identification and documentation of deceased animals.
6. Farmers are often qualified to handle hazardous materials commonly used on their farms.
7. Because farms are businesses, they are usually high in priority for the restoration of power
during outages.
Multiple Choice
10. Which type of veterinary concern will predominate following high winds, tornadoes, and
hurricanes?
a. Starvation c. Traumatic injuries
b. Dehydration d. Bacterial infection
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Summary In this unit you learned how the four phases of emergency
management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery — can
be applied to the care of your livestock or horses in a disaster. At each
level you were given practical advice to protect yourself and your
animals from the dangers that all types of hazards cause.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
Review
Instructions Now you have completed the units of instruction for this Module.
Before moving on to the final examination, let us revisit the scenarios
presented in Unit 2. As you will recall, the scenarios included
information and questions for animal owners and emergency
managers. Having completed this Module, think about how your
answers to these questions may have changed.
1. A train carrying propane derails and prompts the immediate evacuation of 1000 households
in a 2-mile radius. You estimate that approximately 50 percent of families in the evacuation
area own animals.
Emergency Managers: Do you have an action plan to evacuate people with their animals,
and know where to house the animals?
Animal owners: How would you evacuate with your animals? What supplies would you take
for your pets? Where would you shelter your animals?
2. During Hurricane Jackie many persons become separated from their horses.
Emergency Managers: How would you reunite the horses and their owners?
Animal owners: There are 35 bay mares in a temporary enclosure for horses. If one of them
were yours, how would you positively identify it to a security guard at the pasture?
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 8
3. In a tornado, a tank of herbicide is knocked over. It may have contaminated the grain bin on
a dairy farm and been sprayed onto the skin of some pigs at a neighboring farm.
Emergency Managers: What are the potential public health risks associated with
contaminated livestock feed and food-producing animals?
Animal owners: Who would you contact to determine the safety of your cows’ feed and to
determine the potential contamination of the milk?
Who can determine the withdrawal times for safe slaughter of the pigs for human
consumption?
4. Many farms are in low-lying areas close to rivers. Flooding is a problem that can result in
animals drowning, and difficulty in supplying feed to stranded animals.
Emergency Managers: How many farms in your community are potentially affected by floods
and what types and numbers of animals do they have? How would you obtain this
information?
Animal owners: How could the problem of recurrent flooding be prevented? What
department in your State could help you in this regard?
5. During a heat wave there is a local power failure that results in the death of 500,000 chickens
in two adjacent barns.
Emergency Managers: What emergency power supplies could have been mobilized and
prevented this costly loss?
Animal owners: How would you dispose of this large mass of dead birds?
6. A brush fire precipitates the escape of a large private collection of exotic animals. The animals
include lions, tigers and bears. There is great risk of people being injured. The animals are
very valuable and belong to an influential local resident.
What factors would help you reach the most appropriate decision.
Animal owners: Whom would you call in your jurisdiction to help you with this situation?
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 9
Animals in Disasters
MODULE A
UNIT 9
Module A Final Examination
How to take the The following Module A final examination is a test to find out how
much you have learned about emergency management from this
Module A final course.
examination
A final examination answer sheet is included with the course. Fill in
your name, address, social security number, and the date. Mark your
answers in the appropriate spaces. Use a soft lead (#2) pencil.
While taking the test, read each question carefully and select the
answer that you think is correct after reading all the possible choices.
Complete all of the questions. You may refer to the course materials to
help you answer the questions.
When you have completed the examination, prepare the answer sheet
as directed and drop it in the mail. Your answers will be scored and the
results returned to you as quickly as possible. If you score at least 75
percent, you will receive a certificate of completion from FEMA. If you
score less than 75 percent, you will have another chance to take the
test.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 9
1. True (A) or False (B). The care of animals in disasters does not affect the safety and care of
humans.
2. True (A) or False (B). The care of animals in disasters is equally important to the care of
people.
4. Which level of emergency management is the best for providing policy guidance and additional
resources?
a. Personal c. State
b. Local d. Organizational
5. Which level of emergency management is the best for implementing comprehensive emergency
management programs?
a. Personal c. State
b. Local d. Federal
6. Of the various levels of emergency management, which is the most important at which to
develop emergency management plans?
a. National c. State
b. Local d. Federal
7. A measure you can adopt to mitigate the impact of thunderstorms includes which one of the
following?
a. Monitor weather forecasts
b. Evacuate with your animals
c. Clean up and repair damage
d. Obtain appropriate insurance
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 9
8. If you encounter a person or an animal that has been struck by lightning, how should you
respond?
a. Clear the area, you may be at risk for electrocution
b. Do not attempt to give medical assistance as the victim may carry an electrical charge
c. Seek emergency medical assistance and administer first aid immediately
d. Do nothing – the victim will recover without assistance
9. True (A) or False (B). During the flood recovery process, you should empty all containers that
contain contaminated water and clean them with dilute chlorine bleach.
12. If you are in your home, which of the following is the best response action to take if there is an
impending tornado?
a. Crouch in a doorway
b. Seek shelter near exterior walls
c. Go outside and lie in a ditch or a ravine
d. Seek shelter in a storm cellar or basement
13. True (A) or False (B). If you have not already done so, you should attempt to evacuate when a
hurricane makes landfall.
15. Which of the following offers you the greatest personal protection when you must be outdoors
during a winter storm?
a. Many layers of lightweight, protective clothing
b. Warm beverages such as coffee
c. Many layers of thick, loose-fitting clothing
d. A single layer of thick clothing
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 9
16. If your dog normally lives outside your home, which of the following preparedness activities
offers the most practical protection when winter storms threaten?
a. Allow the dog to sleep inside whenever it snows
b. Heat dog houses with electric blankets and space-heaters
c. Insulate dog houses and put straw inside
d. Allow the dog to sleep on the floor in the garage
17. True (A) or False (B). Snow may be used as a supplement to fresh water for some, but not all,
animals.
18. True (A) or False (B). If they are provided with plenty of fresh water to drink, it is safe to
exercise animals in extreme heat.
20. A wildfire preparedness activity includes which one of the following actions?
a. Be careful of wild animals crossing the roads when you attempt to escape the fire
b. Clear vegetation and dead brush from around your house and barn
c. Place a sprinkler on the roofs and anything else that might be damaged by fire
d. Implement and enforce no smoking policies
21. True (A) or False (B). Debris that is hazardous to animals may be scattered around burned
buildings.
22. Which of the following activities will help mitigate damage from landslides on your property?
a. Check for damaged gas, electrical, or water lines
b. Install rigid pipe-fittings
c. Plant ground cover on slopes, or build retaining walls
d. If you are warned of an impending landslide, evacuate at once with your animals to stable
ground
23. If you are inside a building during a landslide, which of the following actions should you take?
a. Evacuate at once with your animals to stable ground
b. Stay inside and get under a desk, table, or other piece of sturdy furniture
c. Curl into a tight ball and protect your head
d. Try to outrun the landslide
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 9
24. Following a landslide, which of the following can lead to flash flooding during heavy rain?
a. Replanting damaged land
b. Damage to or loss of buildings that house equipment and animals
c. Damaged electrical wires and gas lines
d. Erosion from the loss of adequate ground cover
25. If you are inside your home during an earthquake, what action should you take?
a. Remember the safety routine to stop, drop and roll
b. Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture to protect yourself from falling objects
c. Run outside
d. Take cover near exterior windows so that you will have an easy escape route if the building
collapses
26. A good method for reuniting with your animals that have been lost in a disaster includes
which one of the following?
a. Drive around looking for them
b. Wait until someone finds them and calls you
c. Check local shelters on a daily basis
d. Rely on their visual and olfactory cues – they will make their way back home
28. During the disaster planning process, which of the following is NOT an important step?
a. Keep vaccinations current
b. Take photos and videotapes of your pet
c. Confine animals to a small room in your home
d. Adequately identify all animals
29. An example of a tsunami mitigation activity would include which of the following?
a. Not building within several hundred feet of the coastline
b. Listening to your radio for a tsunami warning
c. Escaping to high ground
d. Checking for injuries and seeking medical assistance when necessary
30. Which of the following is an appropriate action when recovering from a tsunami?
a. Call FEMA for advice on rebuilding your property
b. Be prepared to evacuate low-lying coastal areas
c. Explore the beaches for new marine life
d. Document damage to your home and call your insurance agent
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 9
31. True (A) or False (B). Geologists can predict volcanic eruptions and warn you of the exact time,
place, and extent of effects.
32. People and animals exposed to ashfall during a volcanic eruption are most susceptible to which
of the following health problems?
a. Respiratory disease c. Viral infection
b. Bacterial infection d. Traumatic injuries
33. True (A) or False (B). Animals that have been exposed to hazardous materials present no
danger to people.
34. Which of the following is an effective method to protect your family and your animals from
exposure to hazardous materials?
a. Volunteer to help emergency personnel when an incident occurs
b. If an incident occurs and you are at work, return to your home to safely retrieve your pets
c. Store hazardous materials in an area where they will not freeze or overheat
d. Decontaminate livestock to protect the food supply
35. Which of the following government agencies is responsible for handling hazardous materials
incidents that involve radioactive waste?
a. Department of Energy
b. Department of Health and Human Services
c. Food and Drug Administration
d. Federal Emergency Management Agency
36. True (A) or False (B). Animal owners can easily decontaminate animals exposed to radioactive
materials.
37. Which of the following is the most appropriate response action if your animal has been
exposed to radiation?
a. Wash the animals and the areas where they sleep
b. Create a distance between the animal and the source of radiation
c. Seek medical attention from a veterinarian before handling the animal
d. Take your animal with you when you evacuate
38. Following a disaster, which of the following activities is a good method for recovering a lost
pet?
a. Visit local shelters and veterinary offices weekly looking for them
b. Call kennels and animal control facilities several times per day to see if they have them
c. Check local newspapers for found ads
d. Look for them daily at shelters and other places where animals may be kept
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 9
39. It is best to keep your disaster kit in which of the following places?
a. The kitchen where it is easily accessible
b. In a room where everyone in the family has access to it
c. In the garage where it is not likely to be damaged in a house fire
d. On a high shelf so that rodents don’t eat the supplies
40. True (A) or False (B). Law enforcement and firefighters are trained to deal with pets in an
emergency.
42. True (A) or False (B). It is important to have an out-of-state contact because local phone lines
are usually overwhelmed in an emergency.
43. Which type of veterinary concern will predominate following high winds, tornadoes, and
hurricanes?
a. Rabies c. Hazardous materials exposure
b. Traumatic injury d. Respiratory disease
45. True (A) or False (B). Farms are often low in priority for the restoration of electrical power
during outages.
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Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 10
Animals in Disaster
MODULE A
UNIT 10
Appendices
Appendix C References
A-10-1
Animals in Disasters/Module A, Unit 10
Appendix A
Training available through FEMA
Emergency Management, USA gives an introduction to disaster hazards and preparedness to the
public. This course provides a good overview of many topics with which both the public and the
emergency program manager should be familiar. This course provides detailed information on the
distribution of natural hazards in the United States, how to prepare family plans and how to
safeguard against common household hazards. Module A of the Animals in Disasters course is based
on Emergency Management, USA.
The Emergency Program Manager: An Orientation to the Position is designed to provide the basics of the
job for the emergency program manager. Module B of the Animals in Disasters course is based on
the Emergency Program Manager course.
A Citizen’s Guide to Disaster Assistance provides a basic understanding of the roles and
responsibilities of the local community, State, and the Federal government in providing disaster
assistance. It is appropriate for both the general public and those involved in emergency
management who need a general introduction to disaster assistance.
Hazardous Materials: A Citizens Orientation details how to identify and protect against hazardous
materials. This course has a lot of useful information and is highly recommended for employees of
all animal-related businesses.
Another independent study course that should be of interest for nuclear attack and fixed nuclear
facility preparedness is called Radiological Emergency Management. Its subjects include fallout effects,
exposure monitoring, and protective and decontamination measures. It also covers many other
subjects that are relevant to workers in veterinary practices, where X-ray equipment and occasional
radioisotopes are used for diagnostic tests.
Basic Incident Command System — The Incident Command System (ICS) is recognized as an effective
system for managing emergencies. Several States have adopted ICS as their standard for emergency
management, and others are considering adopting ICS. As ICS gains wider use, there is a need to
provide training for those who are not first responders (i.e., law enforcement, fire, or emergency
medical services personnel) who may be called upon to function in an ICS environment. This
Basic Incident Command System (ICS) Course will begin to meet that need. The course has been
developed as self-instruction but can also be delivered, with the use of an instructor, in a
classroom. The course includes a large number of scenarios, examples, and opportunities for
students to apply what they have learned.
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Appendix B
Recommendations on how to deal with contaminated water
If water contamination is suspected or known to have occurred, the water should be purified.
There are three basic procedures for purifying water:
: Boiling,
: Purification tablets, and
: Bleach purification.
Boiling
Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 10 minutes,
keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. To improve taste, pour from one container to
another several times.
Purification tablets
These tablets are available at most sporting goods and drug stores. Follow directions on the
package. Usually one tablet is enough for one quart of water. For cloudy water double the dose.
Bleach purification
Liquid household bleach can also be used if the label lists sodium hypochlorite as the only active
ingredient and there is no perfume (such as “lemon-scent”) in the bottle. Add bleach according to
the table below, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not taste and smell of chlorine
after 30 minutes, add another dose and let stand for another 15 minutes. (Note: do not use this
method to purify water to be used to fill a waterbed. Use a manufacturer provided purifier that will
not harm the plastic).
Amount of bleach
Amount of
water Clear water Cloudy water
1 qt 2 drops 4 drops
1 gal 8 drops 16 drops
5 gal ½ teaspoon 1 teaspoon
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Appendix C
References
Others
Brownson R, Ames D. Winter Stress in Beef Cattle. Alberta Beef Herd Management. Alberta
Agriculture, Calgary , Canada.
Publication 1461. Snow and wind control for farmstead and feedlot. Agriculture Canada. Calgary,
Canada, 1978.
U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, Center for Information Management.
American Veterinary Medical Association. Schaumburg, IL. 1997
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Appendix D
Modified Mercalli Scale of Earthquake Intensities
Richter Scale
Intensity Characteristic Effect Magnitude
I Instrumental Detected only by seismography. 3.5 – 4.2
II Feeble Noticed only by sensitive people.
III Slight Like the vibrations of a heavy truck passing, felt only
by people at rest.
IV Moderate Felt by people while walking. Objects rock, including
standing vehicles.
V Rather Strong Felt generally; most sleepers awakened. 4.3 – 4.8
VI Strong Trees sway, suspended objects swing, loose objects 4.9 – 5.4
overturn or fall.
VII Very Strong General alarm. Walls crack, plaster falls. 5.5 – 6.1
VIII Destructive Masonry cracks, chimneys fall, poorly constructed 6.2 – 6.9
buildings damaged, water levels may change.
IX Ruionus Some houses collapse where ground begins to crack;
pipes break open.
X Disastrous Disastrous ground cracks badly, many buildings 7.0 – 7.3
destroyed and railway lines bent; landslides on steep
slopes.
XI Very Disastrous Few buildings remain standing; bridges destroyed, all 7.4 – 8.1
services (rail, pipelines and cables) out of action. Great
landslides and floods.
XII Catastrophic Total destruction; objects thrown into the air; ground 8.1+
rises and falls in waves.
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Appendix E
Wind Speed Measurement — Land and Water Comparison
Wind Speed
(mph) Effects Over Water Effects Over Land
1–3 Ripples with appearance of fish scales. Calm; smoke rises vertically.
4–7 Small wavelets; crests of glassy Smoke drift indicates wind direction;
appearance. vanes don’t move.
8 – 12 Large wavelets; crests begin to break. Wind felt on face; vanes begin to move.
13 – 18 Small waves; becoming longer; Leaves and small twigs in constant
numerous whitecaps. motion.
19 – 24 Moderate waves; becoming longer; Dust, leaves and loose paper rise up.
numerous whitecaps.
25 – 31 Larger waves forming; whitecaps Small trees begin to sway.
everywhere.
32 – 38 Water heaps up; white foam begins Large branches move, whistling from
blowing in streaks. wires.
39 – 46 Moderately high waves of greater Twigs and small branches broken off
length. trees.
47 – 54 High waves begin to roll; spray may Slight structural damage occurs; slate
reduce visibility. blown from roofs.
55 – 63 Very high waves with overhanging Seldom experienced on land; trees
crests. broken, structural damage.
64 – 72 Exceptionally high waves; water covered Very rarely experienced on land;
with white foam. structural damage.
73 or Air filled with foam, water white, little Violent action, massive destruction.
higher visibility.
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Appendix F
Wind Chill Measurement Table
15 16 9 2 -5 -11 -18 -25 -31 -38 -45 -51 -58 -65 -72 -78
20 12 4 -3 -10 -17 -24 -31 -39 -46 -53 -60 -67 -74 -81 -88
25 8 1 -7 -15 -22 -29 -36 -44 -51 -59 -66 -74 -81 -88 -96
30 6 -2 -10 -18 -25 -33 -41 -49 -58 -64 -71 -79 -86 -93 -101
35 4 -4 -12 -20 -27 -35 -43 -52 -56 -67 -74 -82 -89 -97 -105
40 3 -5 -13 -21 -29 -37 -45 -53 -60 -69 -76 -84 -92 -100 -107
45 2 -6 -14 -22 -30 -38 -46 -54 -62 -70 -78 -85 -93 -102 -109
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Appendix G
Wind Speed Matrix
Formula
T = (D x 5280)/(S x 5280/60)
70 51.42 min 42.86 min 34.28 min 25.71 min 17.14 min 8.57 min 4.3 min
60 60 min 50 min 40 min 30 min 20 min 10 min 5 min
50 72 min 60 min 48 min 36 min 24 min 12 min 6 min
40 90 min 75 min 60 min 45 min 30 min 15 min 7.5 min
30 120 min 100 min 80 min 60 min 40 min 20 min 10 min
20 3 hr 2.5 hr 120 min 90 min 60 min 30 min 15 min
10 6 hr 5 hr 4 hr 3 hr 120 min 60 min 30 min
5 12 hr 10 hr 8 hr 6 hr 4 hr 126 min 60 min
4 15 hr 12.5 hr 10 hr 7.5 hr 5 hr 2.5 hr 75 min
3 20 hr 16.6 hr 13.3 hr 10 hr 6.7 hr 3.3 hr 100 min
2 30 hr 25 hr 20 hr 15 hr 10 hr 5 hr 2.5 hr
1 60 hr 50 hr 40 hr 30 hr 20 hr 10 hr 5 hr
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Appendix H
Learning Checks Answer Key
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Appendix I
FEMA-Related Acronyms
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